Buyer's Guide

Considering a home purchase in the vibrant Austin or the bustling Dallas/Fort Worth metro areas? Whether you're eyeing a modern condo in Downtown Austin, a cozy townhome in Fort Worth, or a spacious single-family home in the Dallas suburbs, understanding your preferences is the first step. Determine your ideal property type, essential features, and deal-breakers. In these dynamic real estate markets, staying informed about what’s available is key to finding your perfect home.

Keep a close watch on the changing asking prices and property availability in both Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth. This vigilance will provide you with valuable insights into the local housing trends, crucial for making an informed offer. The real estate landscape in these areas is ever-evolving, and staying updated will position you advantageously when you decide to step into the market. If you're uncertain or seeking more detailed insights into these specific regions, now is an excellent time to deepen your research or reach out to local real estate experts.

Understanding the criteria for mortgage approval is a critical step in the homebuying process. It's important to recognize that your perception of an affordable monthly payment might differ from what a mortgage company is willing to approve. Mortgage lenders assess various factors beyond just your income, and these can influence the amount you're eligible to borrow.

Factors such as your employment history, credit score, past financial challenges like bankruptcies, and other personal financial details play a significant role in the mortgage qualification process. A common misconception among prospective homeowners is assuming approval for a high loan amount or, conversely, facing unexpected denials or lower approvals.

To navigate this landscape effectively, engaging with a mortgage professional early is key. A preliminary consultation can clarify the amount you are likely to qualify for, based on your unique financial situation. This step is not just about setting realistic expectations; it also positions you as a serious buyer in the real estate market. Many sellers prioritize offers from buyers who have already secured prequalification for a loan, as it indicates financial readiness and seriousness about the purchase.

Taking these proactive measures in understanding and securing mortgage prequalification can streamline your homebuying journey, making it a more informed and efficient experience.

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). We will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. We can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.